Trezor Setup Security & Information Hub

A non-interactive guide to protect your digital assets when beginning at trezor.io/start

Welcome to this essential guide on the security and setup process for your Trezor hardware wallet, specifically focusing on the steps you take when directed to the official starting page: trezor.io/start. This information is designed to reinforce the critical safety protocols required to secure your digital assets.

The Golden Rule: Protect Your Recovery Seed

The single most important piece of information related to your hardware wallet is the 12, 18, or 24-word **Recovery Seed** (or 'Mnemonic'). This seed is the master key to your entire wallet, including all cryptocurrencies stored on it.

Unbreakable Security Mandates:

  • Never Digitize It: Under no circumstances should you ever type your Recovery Seed into a computer, smartphone, or any device connected to the internet. This includes taking photos of it, saving it in cloud storage, or pasting it into a document.
  • Offline Storage is Key: The seed must be written down **only** on the provided recovery cards and stored securely offline, away from fire, water, and theft. Many users opt for metal backups for enhanced resilience.
  • Device Screen Only: When setting up, Trezor will display the seed only on the device's screen. You must transcribe it manually. If any website or software asks you to type in your seed, **it is a scam.**

Verifying the Integrity of Your Device

Before initiating the setup via trezor.io/start, it is vital to ensure your device is brand new and untampered with. Trezor ships its devices with specific anti-tampering seals and packaging.

Physical Inspection Checklist:

  • Check the Seals: Examine the packaging for any signs of damage, re-sealing, or tampering. The official holographic seals or tamper-evident features must be fully intact.
  • Software Verification: During the initial setup, the Trezor Suite software (accessed via trezor.io/start) performs a firmware verification check. This ensures that the device is running genuine Trezor firmware. Always proceed only if this check is successful.
  • Initial Firmware: A brand new Trezor device will arrive without firmware installed. The setup process at trezor.io/start will guide you through installing the official firmware.

Phishing and Malware Prevention

The greatest threat to hardware wallet users often comes from deceptive websites (phishing) or malicious software installed on their computer.

Crucial Safety Steps:

When you visit trezor.io/start, take a moment to perform these checks every single time:

  • Check the URL: Always double-check that the address in your browser's bar is precisely https://suite.trezor.io/web/ (or the specific official domain) and not a common misspelling or a similar-looking domain. Look for the padlock symbol indicating a secure connection.
  • Beware of Search Ads: Never click on sponsored links in search engines that claim to be Trezor. Phishing scammers frequently pay to appear at the top of search results. Always manually type the official URL.
  • Trust the Device, Not the Computer: When confirming a transaction or viewing your Recovery Seed, always verify the details shown on the physical Trezor device screen. The device screen is the secure, offline source of truth; your computer screen cannot be fully trusted if malware is present.

The Setup Process Overview

After connecting your device and visiting the official starting page, the process will involve a few key, security-focused steps:

  1. Install Trezor Suite: You will be prompted to download and install the desktop application, or use the web version.
  2. PIN Creation: You must choose a PIN. You will enter this PIN using a scrambled number pad displayed on the computer screen, with the actual layout only visible on the Trezor device. This protects your PIN from keyloggers.
  3. Recovery Seed Backup: The device will generate and display your Recovery Seed. This is the moment when you must carefully write down the words and store them securely offline.

Remember: Your Trezor device is designed to keep your private keys isolated from the internet. The security of your funds ultimately depends on the secrecy and security of your Recovery Seed. Stay vigilant and always verify.